Outdoor Activities

Although the Brenton Skating Plaza is seasonal, during the times it is open, nothing can stop the undulating surge of families, students and tourists who arrive here for a fun day out. Enjoying a superb location by the riverfront, November to March is the best time to visit when one can skate under the stars and snowflakes. Summers also witness a flurry of activity in the form of community events, live gigs and festivals, while Pay As You Go Skating lessons are a big hit with visitors and locals who'd like to learn the finer nuances of skating.

Sleepy Hollow Sports Park is a 60-acre sports and family recreation complex. Some of the many activities offered at the park include bumper boats, go-karts, mini-golf, climbing wall, batting cages, and sand volleyball. In the winter they also have skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding. The complex is also available for group events such as birthday parties, corporate picnics, school field trips, and many others. Please check their website for hours and activity rates.

The Water Works Park is 1,500 acres of pure outdoor fun! Park visitors can enjoy fun activities such as hiking, fishing, picnicking, jogging, and biking. There are also large open areas for team sports, and picnic areas with grills and tables.

The Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center was built in the honor of the U.S. Army's first officer candidate class for African American men in 1917, and the establishment of the first Women's Army Auxiliary Corps in 1942. The Education center serves to be a national attraction with artifacts, exhibits, archival photographs and period art, also a resource center for students and a historical site for conferences, meetings and celebrations.